Debunking 7 Common Myths Surrounding Epilepsy

The second Monday of February is observed as International Epilepsy Day, a special event that focuses on promoting awareness on epilepsy. World Epilepsy Day 2021 is thus, today. Epilepsy is a condition in which the brain’s nerve cell activity is disturbed, causing seizures or periods of unusual behavior, sensations, and sometimes loss of awareness. It is only diagnosed after the person has had more than one seizure. But no, epilepsy is not a rare condition. Around 65 million people around the world live with epilepsy yet it is often misunderstood with different facts and myths surrounding the condition. So today, we want to dispel some common myths that still exist and bring you important information about seizures, seizure triggers and epilepsy first aid.

Myth 1: You shake and jerk when you have an epileptic attack

Not every seizure means a person shakes and jerks, nor is a person always unconscious during a seizure. Shaking and jerking while unconscious is usually associated with tonic clonic seizures. There is a range of seizures that have different side effects and can affect people differently.

Myth 2: You should restrain someone having a seizure

Restraining someone during a seizure is more likely to agitate or harm that person (or you). A seizure will run its course and restraining someone will not stop or slow it down. Roll the person on one side, keep him or her a safe distance from any nearby objects, and let the seizure run its course.

Myth 3: You should force something into the mouth of someone having a seizure to stop them from swallowing or biting his or her tongue

Never put anything into a person’s mouth if they are having a seizure. This could actually injure them as the person is unable to control their muscle movements during a seizure and they may bite down on the object and break their teeth, or injure their mouth/jaw. You may also harm yourself in the process.

Myth 4: During a seizure, the person is in pain

During a seizure, a person is unconscious and does not experience any pain. However, some people may have muscle aches and can be tired following a prolonged seizure.

Myth 5: If someone has a seizure they must go to a hospital

Not all seizures require hospitalization. Most often, the person will just need time to rest and recover after a seizure, which they might be able to do at work, school, or home.

Myth 6: Epilepsy is a mental illness

Epilepsy is an umbrella term covering many types of seizure and epileptic disorders. It is a functional, physical problem, not a mental one, and it has many unidentifiable causes. Sometimes epilepsy and seizures can be mistaken for mental illness. For example, a person may make unusual noises, use strange words and/or behave oddly when having a seizure. However, like anyone else, some people with epilepsy can develop mental health conditions, such as depression and/or anxiety.

Myth 7: If you have epilepsy, you cannot drive

People with epilepsy can obtain a driver's license if their seizures are well-controlled with medication, or if they fulfill the guidelines set out by the relevant driving authority in their country.

Epilepsy is a very serious condition and individuals can die from seizures. Thus, it is important to spread as much awareness and understanding about the condition so that anyone can handle an unexpected seizure attack anytime, anywhere.

Fun fact: There have been several famous people throughout history that have been diagnosed with seizures in a variety of professions. Here is a shortlist of some people you may be familiar with.

· Theodore Roosevelt
· Elton John
· Prince
· Lil’ Wayne
· Agatha Christie
· Edgar Allan Poe